Winfield Community United Methodist Church

Pastor's Paragraph

It seems odd, doesn’t it, that as the fresh, crisp fall breeze fills the air, we are reminded of the one year anniversary of Katrina. We are given stories of the brave young teenagers and children and their families. Of those whose dreams were shattered, yet whom still displayed an amazing strength and stability for their families and for what they daily endure.

We are disheartened by the horrible statistics of the war. The Chicago Tribune quotes that “as of August 14 the war in Iraq had lasted as long as the U.S. war against Germany in World War II. If the war continues until the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it will have gone on as long as the war with Japan during WW II.”

We grieve for those victims of the unexplainable, unacceptable plane crash in Kentucky. In the Tribune, it said that Lexington was such a close-knit horse-racing town, that “If you didn’t know someone on that flight, you [knew] someone who did.” Tragedy.

We read of more accusations of the abuse of prisoners of war, and still get vague reports of those incidents that go unnoticed. On such a completely wonderful and beautiful day I am struck with the fact that the world is full of unimaginable pain.

I’m thankful for the beautiful fall day. I’m glad to feel the breeze upon my face. But I yearn for such peaceful presence in all the world. That no children would worry for food or shelter. That the homeless would find shelter and aide. That those who suffer from injustice would find mercy. That killing would cease. That love would prevail, and peace preside.

There is an amazing movie called “The End of the Spear” about 5 missionary men and their families who entered into a world unlike their own. A foreign world of strangers, in which they were among them, in the heart of the Amazon jungle. The tribe they ministered to were known as fierce warriors who killed with the spear. In the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), there is one commandment to love neighbor, and 36 commandments to love the stranger. These 5 missionary men loved the stranger. Even to the point of death, by the spear. Their children and relatives could have (should have?) abandoned the mission. But they didn’t. And over time and by the loving nature of Christ, these strangers (the tribesmen) put away the spear and believed in God. One of the children whose father was murdered by a spear, met the murderer, and befriended him. The missionaries described Jesus as “the one who didn’t spear back.” A whole tribe of killers became a tribe of believers, because of the faithfulness of Christians who persevered, even when turned against. They never gave up on the hope of Christ. They never gave up on different races and cultures sharing the same bread and the same cup of Jesus. What a unifying testimony for us all.

There will be a day when we will all feast at the heavenly banquet. Class, race, sexism will not be tolerated. Only love, grace, and simply the presence of God! That will be enough for me. Until then, I charge you and me, that we live as faithfully as we can, and love the stranger among us, and beyond us. This is a new season. A new beginning. A new opportunity for change, growth, and peace. May we fare well in this place, as we await the heavenly feast that holds a place for us, and for all who accept it.

God’s peace,

Jaylynn